With the advent of the Instant Pot and air fryers, I had forgotten about slow cookers. However, I wanted to make a case for their revival as the very useful kitchen tool that they are. Ever since I spotted the Ambiano Six-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker at ALDI, which is only $29.99, I knew it was time to make my case.
Why a Slow Cooker is a Parent's Best Friend
One of my favorite things to do during the colder months is to whip up a meal in the slow cooker before 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning. There’s nothing more satisfying than throwing ingredients into a pot, pushing a button, walking away, and coming back to a full meal (or most of a meal) ready to eat.
If you’re also a parent with a never-ending to-do list, it’s like having a kitchen assistant working quietly in the background while you juggle a million other tasks. The Ambiano slow cooker is programmable and especially useful for busy parents. With its valuable settings, you can plan your meals up to 24 hours in advance, prepare them in the morning, go to work, run errands, and come home to a delicious home-cooked meal, without stirring, supervision, or hassle. It also keeps food warm until you’re ready to serve it, eliminating the need to rush to make dinner.
Simple recipes / ALDI
How I use my slow cooker
I started using my slow cooker when I was preparing my postpartum meals during my first pregnancy. I made many meals that I could freeze and reheat, as well as many “throw-in-the-freezer” meals, where the entire meal is frozen until ready to use.
When it was time to cook them, I simply thawed them overnight in the fridge and “threw” them in the slow cooker in the morning to have dinner ready by 5 p.m. They required very little prep, which allowed me to make many delicious and fortifying meals to help me through the fourth trimester (and beyond). This experience made me fall in love with my slow cooker, so I now use it regularly.
Pulled pork is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. I’ve been making this pulled pork recipe for years and my friends are always asking for it. I love slow cooking pork shoulder in general and freezing the cooked meat for quick meals later. This recipe, in particular, makes a great protein for tacos, bowls, quesadillas, and salads. Plus, slow cooker pot roast is the perfect Sunday “roast” meal. It’s a hearty, comforting one-pot meal with all the veggies and broth, so the only prep required is in the morning.
I also host a party every fall for my neighbors, and people come over to sample two types of chili while the kids show off their Halloween costumes. It's a lot of fun, relatively easy, and a crowd pleaser because everyone loves the chili that they can customize with different toppings.
Beyond the classics, I also make curries, fragrant stews, oatmeal, and granola in my slow cooker. When the stove and oven are full to bursting at Christmas and Thanksgiving, I even use it to make mashed potatoes and stuffing. It’s an absolute must-have kitchen appliance.
Things You Didn't Know You Could Use Your Slow Cooker For
Slow cookers are great for soups and stews, but did you know you can use them for less conventional dishes, too? I was blown away when I discovered that you can make bread in a slow cooker. It’s not artisan sourdough, but the result is a tender, satisfying loaf that’s delicious spread with butter. I’ve also made yogurt, which is surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying, and apple butter, one of my favorite fall dishes. I haven’t explored this yet, but I hear you can make cheesecake in one, too. Apparently, the slow, gentle cooking ensures a smooth, crack-free topping.
Slow cookers make my life easier and they are easy to use. If you don’t already own one, the Ambiano 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is an incredible deal at $29.99. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
About ALDI Finds
This product is an ALDI Find, which is a limited-time, in-stock item that the store places on its shelves each week. They come and go quickly, and sometimes come back. Keep an eye out, but your local ALDI may be out of stock or no longer carry the product.
